Report
“I’m just content to them”: Children living through sexual exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand
A research report from ECPAT Child Alert New Zealand, 2025.
THE FACTS
Human trafficking and exploitation happens in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Human trafficking is not just something that happens overseas. It is happening in New Zealand, often hidden in plain sight.
Trafficking does not always look like someone being physically restrained. It often looks like deception, debt, fear and a person who feels they have no way out.
THE REALITY
Modern slavery isn’t somewhere else. It’s happening here.An estimated 8,000 people are living in modern slavery in New Zealand.
It happens in ordinary workplaces
Forced labour has been reported in NZ agriculture, horticulture, dairy, construction, fishing, hospitality and domestic work.
The job they came for wasn't real
Workers have arrived expecting legitimate jobs, only to find no work, or conditions completely different from what they were promised.
Thousands paid. Then trapped.
Workers can arrive carrying recruitment debt, then face wage theft, excessive hours, illegal deductions and visa insecurity that make leaving difficult.
Passports taken. Movement controlled.
Threats, intimidation, withheld passports, movement restrictions and false immigration information have been used to control workers.
Children as young as nine
Children as young as nine have been identified in New Zealand experiencing indicators of forced labour.
Forced to commit crime
People can be coerced into criminal activity, including exploitation in New Zealand's cannabis industry.
Sex trafficking happens here
Children, young people, migrants and vulnerable adults are being exploited in New Zealand's sex trade.
Māori girls are disproportionately affected
Māori girls and young women are significantly overrepresented among those experiencing sexual exploitation.
Most victims remain unseen
Fear, isolation, threats, immigration insecurity and family relationships can keep people trapped — and prevent them seeking help.
Sources & methodology
- Global Slavery Index 2023: New Zealand Walk Free
- 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report: New Zealand U.S. Department of State
- 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report: New Zealand U.S. Department of State
- Plan of Action against Forced Labour, People Trafficking and Slavery Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment
- Children Living Through Sexual Exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2025 ECPAT Child Alert
- Committee of Experts observations on Māori children and commercial sexual exploitation in New Zealand International Labour Organization
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Would you recognise trafficking or exploitation?
Trafficking doesn’t always look like captivity. Someone may appear to be working, living independently or moving freely while still being controlled or exploited. Look for patterns of control, fear, deception and lack of choice.
Someone else controls their money or ID
Their passport, identity documents or money are held by someone else, or they have little or no control over what they earn.
They can't simply walk away
They may need permission to leave, have little or no time off, be closely monitored, or feel unable to leave their work or accommodation.
Debt is keeping them trapped
They are working to repay recruitment fees or other debts, while wages are withheld, reduced or never paid.
They are threatened or afraid
They or their family may face threats of violence, deportation, jail or other consequences if they don't cooperate.
Someone else speaks for them
Another person answers questions, watches them closely or acts as an “escort” or “translator”. Their answers may sound rehearsed or they may appear afraid to speak freely.
Something just doesn’t add up
The job, pay or conditions are not what they were promised. They may work excessive hours, live in poor conditions, appear fearful or isolated, or have limited contact with people outside their immediate environment.
HOW TO REPORT
Suspect trafficking or exploitation? Know what to do.
If you suspect trafficking or exploitation, you do not need to be certain before raising a concern.
New Zealand does not currently have a single national referral pathway for suspected human trafficking. This can make it difficult to know where to turn.
The options below are the main reporting channels currently available. Choose the one that best fits the situation. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 111.
Call Police on 111
For immediate danger or urgent risk to someone's safety.
Call 111 now if someone is at risk.
Contact Immigration New Zealand or Police
For suspected trafficking or exploitation where there is no immediate danger.
Immigration New Zealand: 0508 558 855 or inz.complianceinvestigations@mbie.govt.nz
New Zealand Police: call 105 or report online at 105.police.govt.nz
Contact Oranga Tamariki
If your concern involves someone under 18, you can contact Oranga Tamariki, even if you are not sure what is happening.
0508 326 459 (available 24/7)
Contact Crime Stoppers
If you have information about suspected trafficking or exploitation but need to remain anonymous.
0800 555 111 or report online at crimestoppers-nz.org/report
Why isn't there one place to report?
Right now, Aotearoa New Zealand does not have a single, clear national referral pathway for people who may be experiencing trafficking or exploitation.
Instead, responsibility sits across different agencies and systems. This can leave victims, communities and even professionals unsure where to turn.
We believe people should not have to navigate a complex system at the very moment they need help.
Just Mercy is advocating for a stronger, coordinated response, including clear pathways for identifying, referring and supporting people who may have experienced trafficking and exploitation.
A clear pathway should make it easier to ask for help, not harder.
Support the workCOMMON QUESTIONS
Understanding trafficking and exploitation
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is the recruitment, movement, or harbouring of people through force, deception, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. It can involve forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, or other forms of control.
Does this really happen in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Yes. Exploitation occurs across industries and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand, often hidden from view. Because it is concealed, a coordinated, well-informed response across the sector is essential.
What is the difference between trafficking and exploitation?
Exploitation is the broader term for taking unfair advantage of a person for benefit. Trafficking refers to the processes used to bring a person into a situation of exploitation. Many situations involve exploitation without movement.
Who is most at risk?
Risk is higher for people in insecure work, those new to the country, and anyone isolated from support. Vulnerability is created by circumstances, not by any failing of the person affected.
How do I report a concern?
If someone is in immediate danger, contact the New Zealand Police on 111. Concerns can also be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. If you are unsure, reaching out to a trusted organisation is a good first step.
LATEST INSIGHTS
Recent articles and explainers
Report
Kia manaaki i te manene: Respecting and protecting migrant workers
A Citizens Advice Bureau spotlight report about migrant worker exploitation in Aotearoa New Zealand, July 2026.
Report
2025 Trafficking in Persons report on New Zealand
The US State Department’s annual assessment of New Zealand’s response to human trafficking.
Media
First interview: Man kept as slave in NZ speaks out
RNZ tells the story of Junior, kept as a slave in Hawke’s Bay by the man convicted in New Zealand’s landmark trafficking case.
Media
Saving Sione: Children being adopted overseas, trafficked to work in New Zealand
A Radio New Zealand investigation into children trafficked into New Zealand through overseas adoption.
Data
Modern Slavery in New Zealand
The Global Slavery Index country study estimating the prevalence of modern slavery in New Zealand.
Stay informed
Get new explainers and sector insight from Just Mercy Trust. No noise, just credible information on the response to exploitation in Aotearoa.